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Context

Andhra Pradesh has launched the 'Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra Kits' scheme to provide essential school supplies to students.  

Details

The Andhra Pradesh government chose to name the scheme after Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a former President, academician, and philosopher, specifically to move away from the practice of naming welfare programs for schoolchildren after political leaders.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as India's second President from 1962 to 1967, and his birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day, backing his connection to education.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra Kits Scheme

The scheme provides free school kits to over 35 lakh school-going students across Andhra Pradesh.

The state government invested Rs 953 crore to procure these kits, to ensure quality through a three-layer check by the Quality Council of India (QCI).    

Components of the Kit

Uniforms: Students receive three sets of uniforms in new colors (olive green pants/gowns and light yellow-green striped shirts). The government also covers stitching charges, providing Rs 120 for Classes 1–8 and Rs 240 for Classes 9–10, ensuring uniforms are ready-to-wear.

Footwear and Accessories: The kits include one pair of shoes, two pairs of socks, a belt, and a school bag.

Study Materials: Students receive textbooks, workbooks, and notebooks.

Dictionaries: Class 6 students receive an Oxford English-English-Telugu Dictionary, while Class 1 students get pictorial dictionaries. Dictionaries in regional and minority languages such as Urdu, Tamil, and Odia are also provided where needed.

By supplying these essential items free of cost, the scheme alleviates financial burdens on families and promotes equitable access to education for all students in the state.

Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS